Dare to Dream Ranch is changing lives, one veteran at a time

FOSTER, R.I. (WLNE) — For some veterans who have tried just about everything, as they struggle after seeing combat, there’s refuge in trying something new, where you may not expect to find it.

On a gravel road lined with American flags, an unassuming property in Foster is changing lives one veteran at a time.

“When you have someone that has actually contemplated taking their own life to actually making plans and setting goals and looking forward to something,” Dare to Dream Ranch founder Karen Dalton said.

In April, army and marine veteran Joseph Rollan said he came to Dare to Dream Ranch 60 pounds heavier, and on “every kind of medicine you can think of, but now I hardly take any medicines.”

This change, being one that Rollan’s doctors can’t believe.

One of the biggest catalysts for those changes, his therapy puppy Cedar.

“It is the journey, because I’ve learned patience…how I have to have responsibility for [Cedar’s] health and welfare. So therefore it makes me wanna take care of myself.” Rollan said.

“He’s caring for the animals. We talk about nutrition, we talk about different types of food…for the dog. So, he wasn’t eating healthy. He was eating hot pockets and quick things that you throw in the microwave, but now he sits there and he eats with the dog.” Dalton said.

Rollan even cooking for his pup.

“I made puppy ice cream. I think that was the first thing I have made that was non-alcoholic in a blender,” Rollan said.

Rollan can be found feeding the heard of goats, mini horses, and chickens, and doing any other ranch chores that pop up through the day.

He is busier than ever, and he’s also happier then ever before, and at peace with his best friend by his side.

“He always has time for me. He never condemns me for anything,” Rollan said. “He’s always happy. He’s always ready to go and learn something new.”

A transformation founder Karen Dalton has seen countless times as vets and their families go through her holistic program.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results, so if you don’t change your circumstances, you don’t change your job, you don’t change your surroundings, you don’t change the people that you hang out with, then everything is gonna remain the same,” Dalton said.

Dare to Dream Ranch is hosting a fundraiser on Sept. 20 at the ranch’s new barn.

The ranch’s goal for the night is to raise $50,000.

Anyone interested in purchasing a tickets can visit Dare to Dream Ranch’s website here.